The 11th “Vietnam Glory” programme took place in Hanoi on May 23, honouring 19 outstanding individuals and 11 organisations in the country’s construction and defence cause as well as in labour and production.

Thai Phung Ne, a leading Vietnamese hydroelectricity expert and a great contributor to the successful operation of Son La Hydropower Plant, and Senior Lieutenant Tran Van Vung from the Coast Guard High Command are among the awardees.

Speaking at the programme, President Truong Tan Sang congratulated the winners for their achievement, saying that they are role models for patriotic movements nationwide.

He spoke highly of efforts by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and the Central Committee for Emulation and Reward to successfully organise the annual “Vietnam Glory” programme over the past 10 years.

He said that he is glad that this year’s programme has honoured coast guard and fisheries surveillance officers and fishermen, who have shown their courage and determination in demanding China immediately withdraw its Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig, which is illegally placed in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.-VNA